Crop and Soil Science B.S. Degree

Want to get your hands dirty while making a difference? Our students work on solving the most complex agricultural and natural resource problems faced in Oregon, our nation and across the globe. Students who want to make a measurable difference in our communities are perfect candidates for a degree in either crop science or soil science. Graduates of our program, in demand across the United States, typically have several job offers by the time that they graduate.

If you want to feed the people of Oregon, the United States and the world; or be part of a team exploring biofuels and bioproducts to increase energy independence in the United States; or do cutting-edge gene research in crop plants or soil microbes; or use your soils knowledge to do remediation work on contaminated sites, the Department of Crop and Soil Science at Oregon State University is where you should be.

Active Learning

As an undergraduate, you'll have many chances for hands-on learning. Research opportunities for students include projects in breeding plants for food, oil and other uses, the science behind soil health, small farm operations and more, while your required internship will introduce you to the different career options available to you once you graduate. Student club activities will help you hone your leadership skills, positioning you for an exciting career in agronomy, soil science, or plant breeding.

In class, you'll build a strong foundation in the natural sciences, as well as participate in laboratory work, student-managed projects at Hyslop Farm, and problem-solving exercises. Explore the course catalog to get a feel for the classes you'll take, or learn more about completing an internship.

Undergraduate Program Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate both basic and advanced knowledge of core curriculum in crop and soil sciences.

Find, synthesize, and interpret credible scientific information reported in a variety of sources.

Effectively communicate scientific findings and issues in writing and in oral/visual presentations on technical and non-technical levels.

Demonstrate the ability to apply the scientific method to problems in crop and soil science.

Attain professional skills necessary for careers associated with crop or soil science, including tools to enable lifelong learning and skills for adapting to a changing world.

Opportunities for Research

You can also elect to focus on research by becoming an OSU Undergraduate Research Fellow. Research fellows uncover new knowledge or apply existing knowledge to solving problems and are recognized by a transcript-visible Research Fellow designation. Learn more about becoming an OSU Research Fellow

Interdisciplinary Community

The knowledge and understanding that comes with studying in the Department of Crop and Soil Science is comprised of a variety of disciplines. Our community of experts include specialists in Crop Science, Soil Science, Horticulture, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Economics, and Entomology. Your work as a Department of Crop and Soil Science student will touch many of these fields and provide you with the expertise to tackle problems in agriculture and natural resource management.

Options:

You can work towards one of three undergraduate degree options:

Agronomy

The Agronomy Option is targeted towards students who would like to manage or own farms and ranches or secure positions in agricultural service industries.

Soil Science

The Soil Science Option allows students to explore the amazing world beneath their feet and learn how to use and protect our soil as a natural resource.